A/N: What do you know another chapter in August! Chapter 100…shite! I had not meant for this story to reach this chapter number and it only being halfway into the 'trio's' fourth year. I do not intend for there to be another 100 chapters. I will do my best to prevent that from happening, so forgive me if at times I go rather fast. For should I end up going too fast I apologize now. Do keep in mind that I lost everything on my laptop when it crashed and had not saved everything on my flash drive and incidentally I have lost….grrrrrrrrrrrrrr…..

Okay enough of this….Chapter 100

Chapter 100

"Poppy…" Severus furiously growled. "What…."

"Professor Snape." Poppy said startled by the sudden sound of Severus' baritone voice and confused by the fury imbedded within.

"Professor." Hermione said as she sobered up. "There's nothing wrong…unless you count how Harry looked the first time he left his room." Hermione said quickly at seeing the look on his face and in his eyes as well as the fury she sensed from him. It did not take Hermione long to figure out what the cause of the fury was from.

Severus stood there without moving aside from breathing, staring at all three in front of him while his mind processed what the witch had said.

"Professor I swear, nothing is wrong." Hermione reassured. "Madam Pomfrey released me from her care not too long ago. No restrictions, at least she didn't state any." Hermione said calmly, truthfully after no response from her Professor for a few minutes.

Hermione softly sighed as she could feel the fury subside. The witch was relieved that she had been able to prevent an embarrassing moment for Professor Snape. Hermione was also relieved that Pomfrey and Harry had not realized what nearly happened or what happened. Hermione knew that once Harry and Pomfrey, mainly Pomfrey, gave it some thought that one or both would realize but it was slim that either would mention anything about it.

"What in the name of Merlin happened? And why, Miss. Granger, were you crying hysterically?" Severus asked worriedly but demanding.

"I wasn't crying hysterically. Yes, tears were streaming…pouring down my face. I was laughing so intensely that tears poured down face. The first time Harry left his room he was only in his boxers but didn't know it until I said something about it. Harry muttered something about being thankful that Dobby at least left his boxers on. I was mainly laughing because of what Harry had muttered as well as the reaction he had once informed that he was only in his boxers. Madam Pomfrey had said that maybe now he'll learn to be sure that he is properly dressed before leaving his room." Hermione explained as fast as she could.

Severus only shook his head in response.

"Professor Snape I take that you have a good reason to be stopping by. Whatever the reason feel free to discuss it while I run diagnostics and examinations on Mr. Potter. If you would rather not discuss whatever the reason that brings you here while I am present then you will have to wait until I have finished." Poppy said in a snarky tone. The medi-witch was doing her best to keep her laughter in control. She had figured out that Snape obviously was worried and concerned about Miss. Granger and that clearly the connection between the two was more than originally thought.

"I will wait until you are finished Poppy." Severus replied snarkily resisting the urge to roll his eyes.

"Very well." Poppy said before turning her attention to Harry.

Severus waited as patiently as he could and that wasn't much. He really wanted…needed to talk to Harry and Hermione, mostly Hermione about what was going on. Severus really did not like the idea of having to discuss the result of the previous night with Harry, but did not see a way around it. The only reason why he, Severus, was able to help Hermione was because of a book that belonged Harry. It would not be fair to not discuss the result with Harry due to said book but also being that the two are family, blood family. Severus eventually sat down on the nearest piece of furniture instead of the alternative. The alternative would have been to pace the small room and that would not be good as it would annoy Poppy making her feel as though she was being rushed. Severus knew better than to rush the medi-witch.

"Well Mr. Potter you are released from my care as well. As you already heard classes will resume on Monday." Poppy said smiling at the young wizard. "I must go and inform the Headmaster and Professor McGonagall of the final results of the tests." Poppy was still smiling as she headed for the fireplace and disappeared in a whirl of green flames.

"Professor…" Hermione began.

"You are also aware of the effects from last night." Snape inquired in a statement kind of way.

"Yes. I…is it supposed to…"

"What are the two of you talking about?" Harry asked quite confused and wanting to know what was going on with his cousin.

"It seems that the connection is a bit more than anyone thought." Hermione answered a bit confused herself.

"What do you mean?" Harry inquired further.

"Miss. Granger and I are able to sense what the other is feeling." Severus answered in teacher capacity.

"You can sense what the other is feeling." Harry repeated to be sure that he had heard correctly.

"Yes, it's kind of weird. I mean it took me a little while to figure out what was happening. Can you imagine being in the middle of something and suddenly you're engulfed in a feeling, sensation or emotion that is not yours? I do not know what causes the feeling, sensation or emotion, I only sense what Professor Snape…"

"I am sure that Mr. Potter gets the idea Miss. Granger." Severus said politely.

"I guess some things never change with me." Hermione softly muttered.

"You say that like it's a bad thing." Harry commented argumentively. (argument-of-lee)

"It is a bad thing Harry." Hermione countered.

"Not necessarily Miss. Granger." Severus argued. "Because of you Mr. Potter has recovered from the incident in Care of Magical Creatures and you have recovered from something no one should ever have to go through." Severus explained.

Hermione did not comment on what Snape had said. The witch gave it some thought and could see the point that had been made.

"Do you think that maybe somehow more magic had been lent to Hermione?" Harry asked.

"It is possible but I do not know for sure." Severus replied.

"I can tell that you really do not want to discuss this with me."

"Not really." Severus agreed. "I am discussing it with you as it is your book that has enabled others to assist those in need of outside help. If you are willing, I would like to check this book to see if there is anything in it that is relevant to what has happened between me and Miss. Granger." Severus explained.

"I do appreciate that you are discussing this with me. I am okay with you checking through the book to see if there is anything in it to explain what exactly has happened between you and Hermione…or why the connection is different then you knew it to be…"

"What is your condition, Mr. Potter?" Severus asked.

"That you search the book in Hermione's or my presence. I trust you with the book…there are a few others that I would trust with the book. There are some out there that…it doesn't matter that the book can only be read by me and family members of mine or if I am touching the book…" Harry replied.

"The fact that you would have to be touching the book while I searched through it and if the wrong person was nearby or somehow unbeknownst to either of us was looking over a shoulder…" Severus agreed knowing where the young wizard was going. "I can accept your condition, Mr. Potter. Since you said that you or your cousin has to be present, I do believe that we should see if I will be able to see the text while Miss. Granger is touching the book." Severus stated.

"Hang on. Professor, you might be able to see the text without anyone other than yourself touching it. You lent me magic and in return some of my magic transferred to you to replenish what I received from you." Hermione interjected.

"It wouldn't hurt to test it out. I mean if you can see and read the text without anyone else touching it to reveal what is written it would make it a lot easier to search through." Harry said.

"Now all we need is the book." Severus said with a smirk.

"Oh, right." Harry said feeling a little stupid for a moment as he left for his room to retrieve the book.

"Moment of truth." Hermione whispered.

"Moment of truth?" Severus said puzzled.

"It's a muggle saying." Hermione explained.

"I'm surprised that you have never heard the saying before, Professor." Harry thought out loud.

"Just because I am half Muggle doesn't mean that I've heard every Muggle saying, Mr. Potter." Severus said a bit on the snooty side.

"I didn't mean…that saying is rather common with Muggles." Harry defended.

"Okay you two knock it off we have more important things to do other than bicker about what Muggle sayings one has or hasn't heard." Hermione said with the tone of authority.

Both wizards looked at Hermione intrigued. Each wizard had an eyebrow raised.

"What?" Hermione asked.

"Nothing…just taken by surprise…the tone you used a moment ago." Harry explained.

"Whatever. Let's see if Professor Snape can see the text on his own. I mean without you or I touching the book as well."

"Here." Harry said as he handed the book over.

Severus took the offered book and just held it for a moment. He was a little hesitant to open the book to find that he could see nothing. After seeing the anticipated look on Harry's face and mirrored on Hermione's face, Severus opened the cover of the book but did not look down just yet. A few seconds later he did look down at the book to indeed see text and stared down at the book.

"Harry, I do believe that Professor Snape does indeed see the text in the book." Hermione said.

"That can only mean that the book is keyed into the magical signatures of Merlin and Morgan le Fay and their descendants. Since magic from you transferred to Professor Snape to replenish the magic he lent you contained a trace of the magical signature, enough of the magical signature to enable him to see the text." Harry rambled. "This is perfect." The wizard said excitedly. "Neither one of us will have to be touching the book nor will it matter if someone else is around because they won't be able to see anything but blank pages."

"Harry…" Hermione began as a thought occurred to her.

"Professor." Harry said loudly in an attempt to pull Snape out of his trance.

"Potter." Snape drawled.

"Since you can see the text I will be alright with you having possession of the book from time to time without me or Hermione present. No one will know what the book contains. Just…."

"Keep it from falling into the wrong hands." Snape finished for the wizard.

"Yeah."

Before anyone could say another word on the matter, Ginny and Ron burst into the little common room laughing nearly hysterically.

"Harry…Hermione…you have go to read this." Ginny managed to sputter out through her laughter while handing the Daily Prophet towards Harry.

"Professor Snape. Why are you in here?" Ron inquired.

"As if it matters Ron." Hermione replied.

"Please not another word as to why Professor Snape is here." Harry said to Ron. "Now what is so funny?" Harry asked, directing his question at Ginny.

Harry took the paper and at down near Hermione and Snape. Hermione and Snape read over Harry's shoulders as Harry read:

'Late last night the Minister of Magic, Cornelius Fudge, ended up in St. Mungo's unconscious. It is unclear as to what happened to render the Minister unconscious as well how he arrived. Witnesses state that it looked as though he was literally 'dropped' in the waiting/reception area. The Minister's injuries in part confirm what would result from someone being dropped, but other injuries suggest that the Minister may have been attacked or willingly, repeatedly walked into a brick wall. The Minister remains unconscious for now. As the Daily Prophet receives more information on the Minister's condition and state of being we will report it and if necessary report in Special Editions. Until then we will all keep the Minister in mind and hope that he will awaken soon and be able to tell us what happened.'

"The Minster was literally dropped off at St. Mungo's?" Harry asked to no one specifically.

"It seems that the last time the Minister tried to breach the barrier shield did a number on him." Severus said quietly.

"I don't know about keeping the git in mind and hope that he will waken soon so he can tell the Wizarding World what happened and how exactly he ended up at St. Mungo's." Hermione commented. "What? It's not like any of us are going to do that. I mean once he comes to and for should he remember what happened…Dumbledore could end up in serious trouble." Hermione said in defense of her earlier statement.

"So, what did happen last night?" Ron asked.

"The answer to that will be given at a later time." Harry said as best he could without seeming rude or giving Ron and Ginny the brush off.

"In fact Harry and I were discussing things from last night…" Hermione began and then stopped as she was not exactly how to finish what she was going to say without it being clear that there was something being kept from them.

"Hermione and I both have been released from Pomfrey's care." Harry quickly interjected as to distract Ron and Ginny from catching on to what Hermione did not finish.

"That's wonderful news." Ginny commented knowing full well that Harry was trying to distract her as well as her brother. Ginny also knew that there was something that was not being shared and was pretty sure that it wouldn't be shared any time soon.

"It's great, but that means that the two of you will have to leave here." Ron commented.

"It will be a transition for sure but we'll adjust." Harry said.

"I will miss the quite eventually, but I'd rather have the chaos as it is a constant reminder of normalcy." Hermione added.

"Well, Ron and I will be going. We just wanted to share that small article on Fudge." Ginny said out of nowhere, well at least to Ron it seemed out of nowhere.

"I'll see you later." Harry said looking at Ginny with a smile on his face.

Ginny smiled in return and tugged on her brothers' sleeve. When Ron did not move to leave, Ginny grasped Ron's wrist and just about dragged him out with her.

"Mr. Weasley doesn't catch on to much quickly or retain what he was on the brink of realizing?" Snape thought a bit louder than he intended.

"It's more like he has a one track mind. And the track would be food." Hermione replied despite knowing that Snape had not meant to say it out loud and could have just went on without acknowledging that he'd said anything.

To Hermione and Harry's shock, Snape smiled.

"I am capable of smiling." Snape commented. "I just really haven't much to smile about."

"You have point Professor." Hermione commented.

"As much as I would like to continue our discussion and go through this book…" Snape said while slightly raising the book above his lap. "I think that your friends would appreciate time with the two of you. And as Mr. Weasley said, the two of you will have to leave here. I am sure that you'll both want time to pack everything up." Snape said considerately.

"I suppose you're right Professor, although, it won't take us long to pack up our stuff." Hermione said.

"Maybe not, but I do think that you should spend some time with your friends." Snape insisted.

"Hermione, Professor Snape has a point. I mean we can't spend all of our time with one of our Professor's. Can you imagine what would happen if it got out that you and I are spending all this time with a Professor for no apparent reason and none of us are giving a reason? And of course it would be twisted around as to what we are doing." Harry chimed in.

"I hadn't thought of that." Hermione said realizing the logic of the possibility.

"I will leave so that the two of you can take care of what you need to here and then hang out with your friends." Snape said as he stood. "Mr. Potter, your book." Snape said as he stretched out his arm with the book.

"Professor, I know that you want to know what exactly happened or at last find out why the connection between you and Hermione is the way it is. Why not start now? No classes to day and there is the weekend to search through the book without nosey students and no interruptions…at least fewer interruptions." Harry said.

Snape gave a half smirk and nodded his head in thanks as he tucked the book inside his robes before leaving.

"Professor Snape actually thought that something was wrong?" Harry asked Hermione after he was sure that Snape had covered a distance from where they were.

"It would seem so. He was quite furious that no one was doing anything. It took me a moment to figure it out. I mean I could sense his emotions while he made his way here. And then once he was in here the look on his face, the tone of his voice and of course sensing the fury…one not knowing that I was laughing so intensely that it caused tears to pour down my face…it would seem as though I had been crying. Also as he headed this way he could sense what I was feeling. While Pomfrey was here I was nervous, anxious and a little scared to be honest. I was also worried, I remember feeling worried and I know it was my own emotion. Then out of nowhere a strong emotion, reaction to something. With everything that he was feeling from himself and sensing what I was feeling…it's not likely that he was able to sense that it was humor." Hermione answered with her usual long-winded explanation.

"True." Harry said the only thing that came to mind.

"Okay, so let's get our crap and moved back into Gryffindor House so we can then search out our friends and answer their questions. So much for skiving off today and avoiding the question squads." Hermione muttered, borderline grumbling.

Harry smirked as he shook his head while heading to his room.

It did not take the duo long to pack up their belongings since both were allowed to use magic. Once everything was packed they started to head out of their temporary living quarters and then it occurred to them that they did not know the password to gain entrance to Gryffindor House through the portrait hole.

"Wait, Pomfrey said that we could use the floo connection from here to the Gryffindor common room." Hermione suddenly blurted out.

"That's right." Harry said excitedly.

The pair each in turn flooed to the Gryffindor common room to find it void of students. It was a relief to return to Gryffindor House and not be bombarded by fellow house mates wanting to know everything that had happened the night before. Silently, Harry and Hermione headed up the staircase to the dormitories and only separating company as they reached the corridor that on one side led to the girls dormitories and the other side led to the boys dormitories.

Neither one took the time to unpack and put things away and simply dumped the bags containing their belongings and then headed back down to the common room. The duo contemplated staying inside until a fellow Gryffindor came back to get the password or just find their friends as that would guarantee their returning to the common room.

Harry and Hermione did want to hang out with their friends but yet really didn't want to go through the constant firing of questions. They were nowhere near a decision after several minutes of contemplating what to do when they heard the soft creak of the portrait swinging open. What felt like hours had only been less than a minute until they could see who had entered Gryffindor House. Harry and Hermione were consumed with relief seeing that it was Professor McGonagall.

"Professor." Hermione said happily.

"It is good see the two of you back here. When Madam Pomfrey informed me that she had released you both from her care and to all activities it felt as though Christmas came early. I can see that both of you are fine. A little nervous, but fine. I came straight here to see if you were in Gryffindor House…"

"Only because we remembered that we could use the floo to gain access to our house." Hermione explained.

"The new password is 'Merlin's legacy'." McGonagall informed the pair.

"Who came up with the password?" Harry inquired genuinely curious.

"Mr. Longbottom. The portrait is insisting that the students of Gryffindor House choose the passwords from now on. At first I wasn't so keen on the idea but then I realized how much of a work load I will not have buy the students choosing the passwords. So, I suggest that the two of you start thinking of passwords so that you are ready for when the Fat Lady calls for one of you to choose the new password. It would not go over well if you do not have something right away." McGonagall answered and explained.

"It makes sense but at the same time it sucks." Hermione stated.

"You can say that again." Harry agreed.

"Well, I will leave the two of you to do…whatever." McGonagall said as she headed out of the common room.

"As much as I would like to have a day or two before facing the masses, I'd rather get it over with as soon as possible." Harry said somewhat reluctantly.

"I suppose we should we try and find our friends." Hermione said just above a whisper.

Harry and Hermione left the confines and comforts of Gryffindor House in search of their friends. As they made their way through the castle they passed a few witches and wizards from other houses. To Hermione and Harry's surprise not one made any comments as to what could have happened last night. Though it was a surprise, the two were relieved that their house mates had the decency and courtesy to not share what they may have heard last night. They had passed a few older students from their house but couldn't remember their names. Though the few from their house stared and watched Harry and Hermione make their way along, the house mates did not ask or say a thing as they passed by them.

Though it was nearing December it wasn't too horrid outside. It was on the chilly side but no rain or snow was falling as the sky was clear with a few scattered clouds. The temperature outside demanded that one dress warmly but a jacket was not necessary.

Harry and Hermione had not gone far from the main entrance of the castle when their immediate friends quickly approached them.

"I thought that you two were discussing something with Professor Snape." Ginny said with a hint of confusion in her voice.

"It was just about last night and since Pomfrey released both of us from her care he suggested that we…hang out with our friends. It's not like there isn't plenty of time to discuss what happened last night. Besides I'm sure that Dumbledore will want to discuss it as well. It makes sense to wait until Dumbledore can be present for the discussion." Harry explained mostly truthfully.

"How did all of you know that we were out here?" Hermione inquired curiously.

"A third year from Hufflepuff found us and said that the two of were heading out of the castle through the main entrance. She thought that we would want to know." Ginny answered.

"I think that Harry and Hermione would like to go somewhere to sit yet be out in the fresh, cool air after what they've been through." Fred and George said as though it should have been obvious to everyone.

Harry and Hermione only smiled as it did sound like a good idea. Though, just being outside was satisfactory enough. Hermione could have gone for a walk around the grounds now that she had no restrictions on activities. She wasn't going to argue with the twins though as it was rather thoughtful of them to suggest finding somewhere to sit out in the fresh air.

When the semi-large group stopped to hang out, Harry couldn't help but smile knowing that his dad and his friends used to hang out in the exact same spot. The smile started to fade to a look of annoyance as he remembered that it was also the same spot where his dad and friends would start to antagonize and humiliate Snape. Harry quickly pushed those thoughts from his mind and held on to better moments he could remember. He did not know if it was real or just an image he formed but in his mind he could even see at times his mum hanging out in the spot as well.

"You seem a million miles away. What are you thinking about so intensely?" Ginny inquired.

"Things from my past." Harry replied as he conjured a few tree trunks had fallen over on to their sides. It was better than the alternative…sitting on the frigid ground. Harry then sat next to Ginny while the rest of the group took a seat.

"So anything happen while Harry and I were separated from everyone? I mean pertaining to Gryffindor." Hermione inquired.

"No not really. Nothing that you two haven't seen before." Neville answered.

"It's been pretty boring then." Hermione inquired in a statement kind of fashion.

"Pretty much." Ron agreed.

"Although, the rude awakening last night was a bit exciting not that any of us could actually make out the words being said." George piped in.

"I can only imagine what it all sounded like to all of you." Hermione commented.

"Yeah, well we can go into all the details another time. You both barely have been given your full freedom back. The last thing you want is to be put through an interrogation." Violet said jumping into the conversation.

"Fred, George and all of your year in Gryffindor have made it quite plain that no one is to ask either of a thing about last night for a while any way." Mercedes added.

"I just thought that Violet, Mercedes should know that something happened last night concerning the Minister." Neville sheepishly said. "I would have attempted to get a message to your…other cousin but the timing never fell right."

"Don't stress over it Neville." Harry requested. "He was there as well as his mum and best friend." Harry added.

"So, who all…never mind. We're not talking about it for a while." Ron muttered.

"Let's just not talk about it today. It's obvious that you all want to know and clearly it will be difficult if not impossible for any of you to not slip and ask something or talk about what has already been said." Hermione said with consideration of their friends in mind.

"Sounds good to me." Harry agreed. "I already promised Dobby that I would tell him what happened yesterday and intended on telling him soon. I've been thinking about telling Dobby tomorrow in the Room of Requirement." Harry informed his friends. "I promised Dobby last night after Pomfrey ran her tests." Harry added in response to an unasked question from Hermione.

"Since you'll be telling Dobby what happened…" Ginny began.

"Hermione and I will tell all of you what happened. Though my cousin and his best friend were there last night…my cousin's friend was not in the room and since he accompanied my cousin to the corridor outside the living quarters…it's only fair." Harry said in a tone that there was to be no argument.

"I think we should get going on inside, it's getting colder by the second." Hermione said while trying her hardest to not shiver from the temperatures.

"Hermione's right, it is getting colder by the second." Ginny said quickly as some were giving Hermione a concerned and worried look. "I mean haven't any of you noticed that it has become darker and in a short amount of time." Ginny added as though it should be obvious to the others. "Look up! Those clouds do not look non-threatening." Ginny said becoming angry with her brothers.

"You all should take Miss. Granger's and Miss. Weasley's advice and suggestion. It is supposed to snow this evening. It would not go well in your favor if Mr. Potter and Miss. Granger were to end up in the infirmary and so soon back in Madam Pomfrey's care." Snape snarled.

Everyone looked at Snape and missed the smirks on Hermione's and Harry's faces knowing full well why their Potions Professor was there. Harry and Hermione knew that Snape had not just stumbled upon them, he had sensed Hermione's discomfort.

"What are you all waiting for?" Snape growled. "Get moving or detention and points deducted." Snape said fiercely.

It did not take most of them to get a move on. Harry and Hermione were the only two to linger. Harry soon took off quickly at receiving a glare he thought he would never see on anyone's face aside from Voldemort when furious with his followers.

"Miss. Granger…" Snape said expectantly.

"I just wanted to thank you for getting the rest to get going and to stop worrying about me. Yes, the temperatures are dropping rapidly and I was getting a bit cold but I am capable of silently casting a warming charm." Hermione said with a smile truly grateful for his timing or well more so the connection they shared. "Professor…is everyone going to panic over every little thing that I say? I mean like just a little while ago when I suggested that we go inside as it was becoming colder by the second, the reaction everyone had. Of course with the exception of Harry and Ginny. If I cough or sneeze or get a headache, will everyone panic that I might be…oh I don't know."

"It is possible Miss. Granger, but I do not think that it will last long. With the Daily Prophet reporting about the Minister I doubt you will be subject of everyone's mind."

"I don't want that. I fear that if everyone keeps it up that I'll lose control of my magic again. And if that happens and a tear forms again…what if I am unable to fix it on my own? If I need…help again, how will it affect…"

"Relax Miss. Granger. There is no need to worry about may or may not happen." Snape said in a reassuring tone. "Miss. Granger I can assure that I'd be there to ensure that you did not lose your control again. Do not forget that I would sense it." Snape added in a whisper.

"I suppose you're right. It's hard for me to not think of possibilities that could be or happen down the road. I've always had to do what I could to try and at least be on the same page as everyone else. Most of the time I would try to be one step ahead of others just so that I could protect myself from…." Hermione trailed off as she was saying more than she had intended as well as not meaning to go the track she had begun on. "The last you said is true. Now I just need to remember that and maybe I won't stress and worry about what could come down the road."

"Now get on inside before the storm hits." Snape said with a hint of…protectiveness.

Hermione did not know how to deal with the protectiveness she heard and sensed from Snape. Instead of staring at him in disbelief, Hermione took off towards the castle in a sprint.

Severus remained out in the quickly becoming frigid air. He was confused by the protectiveness he was beginning to feel towards the witch. Snape wondered if it could have something to do with connection he had with her and he could sense what she felt. After deciding that the protectiveness was because of the connection and being able to sense what she felt, Snape headed on inside himself without any concern due to the protectiveness he was feeling towards the witch.

A/N: I know it's short but I wanted to get this up as soon as possible. The other day (8/11/12) I stepped on the edge of a hole and rolled my right ankle. I'm on Norco and have to wear a fiberglass splint or as how other people have said 'a half cast'. The hospital said it was just twisted but I as several others think that it might be more than just a 'twist or sprain'. Tuesday I'll be going into the clinic and with any luck it is just a severe sprain and I'll have a brace instead.

I hope that you all enjoyed this chapter. Please Review and let me know your thoughts.

I will try to make the next chapter a LONG chapter with this one being so short.